Description
Local and regional governments are leading the way to “Build Inclusive and Sustainable Communities.” As the closest government entity to their citizens, they are uniquely positioned to make a difference in people’s lives, while also being on the frontlines of responding to climate change and its impacts on communities. These local governments are making meaningful progress in reducing carbon emissions, becoming more resilient to a warming world, and improving air quality while doing so in an equitable manner to ensure the needs of their citizens are being met.
Collaboration is the key to success. This Thematic Session will explore and emphasize the power of multi-stakeholder networks to share information and amplify impact. Concrete examples from several Utah communities will highlight how local governments and civil society organizations have worked together to craft programs, policies, and regulations to create more sustainable communities. Speakers will include senior-level city sustainability staff, a state representative, and local nonprofit partners. They will detail legislation that created a pathway for large-scale renewable energy development, electrified transportation initiatives, and community food production.
Attend this session if you work for a municipal government; represent a civil society organization that is looking for examples on ways to collaborate with your local government; or have an interest in renewable energy, energy efficiency, improving air quality, electrified transportation, food security or equitable program design.
Moderator
Vicki Bennett, Salt Lake City Sustainability Director
Speakers
- Representative Patrice Arent, Utah State Legislature
- Luke Cartin, Park City Sustainability Manager, Salt Lake City
- Supreet Gill, Salt Lake City Food Program Manager
- Debbie Lyons, Salt Lake City Deputy Sustainability Director
- Tyler Poulson, Salt Lake City Energy Program Manager
- Sarah Wright, Director, Utah Clean Energy